New stamps celebrate Jersey’s emergency services

A set of eight stamps celebrating Jersey’s emergency services will be issued by Jersey Post on 1 April 2023. Illustrated by renowned stamp artist and engraver Martin Mörck, the stamps feature a selection of emergency services vehicles that are currently in use, or have been used historically, in Jersey.

Featured across the set of stamps are: a Jaguar MkII police car (1960s), RNLB Elizabeth Rippon (1948-1975), a Ford Model T field ambulance (1917), the Lord St. Helier fire engine (c. 1905), Channel Islands Air Search (2019-), inshore fire & rescue craft (2000-), a BMW i3 electric police car (2019-) and a King Air 200 air ambulance (2018-2020).

Jersey landmarks and scenery including Mont Orgueil Castle, Corbière Lighthouse, La Rocco Tower, St Helier town centre and Police Headquarters can be seen in the backgrounds of the stamps.

Norwegian artist and master engraver Martin Mörck has over 40 years of experience in stamp design and engraving, banknote engraving, portrait drawing, illustration and watercolour/acrylic painting. In August this year, he will see his 1000^th stamp issued. Martin has produced many stamp artworks for Jersey Post, including the illustrations for the 2022 Tractors Working in Jersey stamp issue.

Martin comments: “Every year, Jersey Post asks me to create a set of stamps. It’s been like this now for a number of years and I’m always prepared with rolled-up sleeves. It’s not just a case of designing a set of stamps, it’s telling a story; like postal ships of Jersey from ancient sailboat to present day ship, or emergency vehicles from horse-driven to electric-powered. It’s a very three-dimensional project in the sense that my research into the brief takes me in many different directions. This is because I like my paintings to have real backdrops and colours. I make sketches and build up the scenery in my head before I get to work with pen and ink plus colour pens. I get totally immersed and stay in the creative bubble until I can see the story told. It’s hard, but I love it.”

Jersey Post’s A History of Jersey’s Emergency Services stamps will be available to buy from all branches of Jersey Post from 1 April 2023. Philatelic stamp products such as souvenir sheetlets, first day covers and presentation packs will be available from the Jersey post offices at Broad Street, St Helier and Rue Des Pres, St Saviour and can be ordered now at www.jerseystamps.com or by telephoning the Jersey Philatelic Bureau on: 00 44 (0)1534 616717.